How many inches can I expect to lose off my waistline If I get a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

My tummy looks terrible and so do my breasts. The years have not been kind! I weigh 165lbs, am 5'6 and in good health. (56 yrs old) I had liposuction 5 yeas ago but all it did was create loose skin. I am planning to get a tummy tuck within two months but would like to know If its possible to lose 10 inches off my waistline once they do lipo and restructure the muscles?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is challenging to predict the exact number of inches you may lose.   Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!You will not lose 10 inches off your waistline. That is a large amount. Please discuss with your plastic surgeon to see what she/he thinks you will reasonably achieve. This is a great question!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  In general the waistline of a patient is determined by the underlying bony anatomy of the ribs and hips.  Based on your supplied picture I do not think you will approximate a 10 inch reduction in your waist but you do look as if you would obtain a very nice result.  Hope this helps.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question and photographs.
  Inches loss after TT depends on many anatomical characteristics  of an individual like abdominal content, muscle  amount of extra abdominal fat  and amount of  extra skin.Which can be assisted only during personal examination. But definitely you will get quite a good improvement.
please consult board certified plastic surgeon and discuss.
Best of luck.
Dr Milan Doshi

Jeffrey H. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  It is very common for patients to lose inches off their waistline after tummy tuck and liposuction.  How much is really completely dependent on your underlying anatomy.  Unfortunately it's hard to tell from just a picture.  That being said, you probably won't get 10 inches off after surgery in my best estimation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I can not possibly guarantee a patient inches off their waistline because it is different for each patient. Besides, your underlying anatomy contributes a lot to your shape and size.

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

Your waist is determined by the abdominal contents, including your organs and the fat around it. A tummy tuck can address the loose skin but will not appreciably change the waist size. I think you will still get a good result and be happy with the procedure though. Best wishes.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

10 inches is a lot to expect from an abdominoplasty. I do not think you have enough to lose that amount. You should see a nice improvement with good portion of the exact number is not ever possible. Talk to your surgeon about expectations. Best of luck!

Andrew Gear, MD · Answer

You will not lose 10 inches but will have a very nice contour change.  That is the thing to focus on.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. You will not lose 10 inches from your waistline with a well-executed full TT and lipo. However, you will lose several inches. In addition, I would recommend additional  weight loss. Good luck
Best, 
#drburnett #realself100

How many inches can I expect to lose off my waistline If I get a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Answers (11)

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